Celebrate Fish Migration Day and Earth Day

Spring is in the air… and water! As breeding and nesting season approaches, the sweet serenades of songbirds are becoming more melodious each day, with some birds returning north after migrating hundreds (or even thousands) of miles from their overwintering grounds. Monarch butterflies have also started their epic, multi-generational northern journey from Mexico to Canada. But while these airborne animals get the most attention, did you know many fish species migrate as well? It’s true – swimming and spawning season is a thing too!

Saturday, April 21 is World Fish Migration Day. It’s an exciting opportunity to discover the awesome odysseys that countless aquatic animals pursue. Fish health, of course, is linked to healthy habitats, in addition to water quality and quantity. Plus, fish provide important sources of sustenance for people across the United States and around the world, while also providing hours of enjoyable outdoor recreational opportunities.

Don’t let your celebration of fish and wildlife stop there: Sunday, April 22 is Earth Day! Participate in outdoor activities across the country and reconnect with nature in your own way. Apply eco-friendly actions and behaviors into your schedule each day. Together, we can each achieve our shared responsibility of protecting and sustainably managing the habitats, plants, and animals upon which we all depend for current and future generations.

Did You Know?

2,000 Rare June Suckers Recently Tagged for Release into Utah River

Last month 2,000 June suckers were tagged by Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in preparation for release into Utah Lake. This rare native fish is only found in Utah Lake and its tributaries. Despite its name, the June sucker is surprisingly not a bottom feeder; it actually eats zooplankton in the center of the water column! Learn more about this unique western fish and ongoing collaborative conservation efforts among federal, state, and local organizations.